SB 341 revises laws related to the sale of recreational vehicles, boats, and powersports vehicles. It allows dealers of these specific vehicle types to conduct off-premises displays and sales in counties different from their primary business location. This is permitted if their franchise agreement includes the other county and there is no other authorized dealer for the same manufacturer's model established there. Dealers must provide prior notice to the department, and these off-premises events are limited to 10 consecutive days, with a maximum of 10 per calendar year.
SB 134, known as the "Safeguarding Endowment Gifts Act," establishes new protections for individuals and entities who make restricted donations to charitable organizations. The bill requires charitable organizations to adhere to written donor-imposed restrictions on endowment gifts. If a charitable organization violates these terms, the donor or their legal representative can file a court complaint for breach of the endowment agreement after providing 90 days' notice. Courts may order remedies consistent with the charitable purpose of the gift, but cannot order the return of donated funds to the donor.
SB 236 revises the compensation structure for county detention officers by entitling them to longevity payments. The bill ensures that county detention officers receive these payments in a manner similar to deputy sheriffs and undersheriffs. Specifically, starting from their first anniversary of employment, detention officers will receive an annual longevity payment equal to 1% of their minimum base annual salary for each year of service. This legislation also supersedes specific unfunded mandate laws concerning these provisions.
HB 357 provides state funding specifically for career and technical education (CTE) programs in middle schools, junior high schools, and 7th and 8th-grade programs. It directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to annually distribute these funds to eligible elementary and K-12 school districts. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support these programs. The Superintendent will adopt rules to ensure equitable distribution and proper use of the funds, enhancing existing federal support without school size restrictions.
SB 208 revises the definition of "dependent child" within the retirement systems for highway patrol officers, police officers, and firefighters. For the Highway Patrol Officers' retirement system, the bill removes the requirement that a deceased member must have been "retired" for their child to be considered a dependent. This means an unmarried child under 18, or under 24 if a full-time student, of any deceased member may now qualify for benefits. The bill also updates the specific age and student status criteria for dependent children in the Police Officers' retirement system, and aims to make similar revisions for firefighters.
Senate Bill 36 revises school funding laws by removing expired contingency language related to block grants for school districts. The bill specifically addresses provisions for the repayment of "coal-fired generating unit closure mitigation block grants" provided to school districts. These repayment conditions were tied to specific closure dates for generating units that occurred on or before July 1, 2022. Since these dates have passed, the bill eliminates the outdated requirements from the Montana Code Annotated.
HB 218 revises the practice of optometry by expanding the scope of services licensed optometrists can provide. It permits optometrists to perform certain in-office surgical procedures and laser surgical procedures, specifically limited to the anterior segment of the eye and adnexa. However, the bill explicitly excludes penetrating intraocular surgery, intravitreal injection, and refractive surgery. To perform laser surgical procedures, optometrists must be certified by the board after completing required didactic and clinical training. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
HB 399 revises prior authorization laws for health insurance issuers, aiming to simplify access to certain prescription drugs for covered individuals. The bill prohibits prior authorization for oral and inhaled generic prescription drugs, inhaled medications for asthma or chronic lung diseases, and insulin for diabetes patients. It also restricts prior authorization for generic drugs used consistently for six months and for dosage adjustments within approved limits. If an insurer makes an adverse determination for a prescription drug, the decision must be made by a specialist physician, and the insurer must provide a list of covered therapeutic alternatives.
SB 37 revises school funding laws by clarifying how significant enrollment increases are calculated for state aid payments. The bill specifies that these calculations must be made separately for each budget unit within a school district. A district becomes eligible for additional funding if its current October enrollment count, converted to ANB, exceeds its budget limit ANB from three years prior by 110% or more. The Superintendent of Public Instruction determines the payment amount, which districts can accept fully or partially to address costs associated with the enrollment growth.
SB 206 revises laws related to child abuse and neglect investigations and court proceedings. The bill establishes two distinct roles: a child protection investigator and a child reunification specialist. Child protection investigators are responsible for investigating allegations of abuse or neglect and handling cases prior to a child's removal from their home. Child reunification specialists focus on coordinating services and proceedings to reunify families after a child has been removed. The bill generally prohibits the same person from performing both roles in a single case, aiming to separate these functions.
SB 175 revises the procedures for a Board of County Commissioners to adopt or amend zoning regulations. The bill establishes a separate, streamlined process for amending existing zoning regulations, distinct from the procedure for creating new zoning districts or initial regulations. For amendments, a public hearing notice must be posted at least 15 days beforehand and published weekly for two weeks in a local newspaper. This notice must describe the proposed changes and where to inspect the relevant documents. The bill requires a public meeting and notice before a board can adopt a resolution to amend a zoning regulation.
SB 109 revises Montana's workers' compensation law by expanding the definition of "treating physician." This bill includes physical therapists within that definition, allowing them to serve as primary treating providers for injured workers. This change directly affects workers seeking care for injuries and physical therapists providing treatment under workers' compensation claims. The bill amends Section 39-71-116, MCA.
